Why rank the general status of wild species in Alberta?

The general status exercise is an initial evaluation of the well-being of wild species populations. Understanding the status of each species permits sound planning and decision-making for conservation programs, and is a critical step towards setting management priorities. The general status exercise helps determine which species are "At Risk" or "May Be At Risk" of extinction, are "Sensitive" to human activities or natural events, or are considered "Secure" in Alberta. "May Be At Risk" species receive a detailed status assessment, which is used to determine whether there is reason to recommend that a species be considered "At Risk" and given legislative protection as "Endangered" or "Threatened" under Alberta's Wildlife Act.

The evaluation exercise….
The Alberta government conducts the general status exercise every five years, updating ranks as new information on wildlife populations becomes available. This is an ongoing task that began in 1985 with a document that ranked the status of selected high priority species and initiated the use of an objective evaluation system. The most recent version, "The General Status of Alberta Wild Species 2005", covers a wide range of taxa (birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, butterflies, orchids, and ferns) and uses an evaluation system that is identical to that used by other provinces and territories throughout Canada.